By Ellie Lanier
Fatou Lo
Fatou Lo is a junior at Mount Tabor and wants to be your 2026 Chief Justice. Lo strives to empower others and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and everyone’s presence matters. As a current associate justice and a translator at a law firm, Lo doesn’t just talk about leadership– she lives it. She is also one of only two people from North Carolina that has been accepted to the United States Senate Youth Program and will represent North Carolina at the White House. Her platform is built around representation, passion, and vision. This means being passionate and dedicated to YAG, representing everyone’s voices, and implementing a vision for the future. Lo is running to build something at YAG bigger than just one person and has shown passion and dedication to leadership. Don't Lower your standards, vote LO!
By Margaret Zaytoun
Taylor Garriot
YAG, it’s time for Jeopardy! Taylor Garriot, a Junior at Cape Fear Academy, is racing for the position of Chief Justice. In her Jeopardy-themed campaign video, she highlighted her most important goals if elected: Making YAG accessible to all, inspiring others to set higher aspirations, using her time to help others, and creating opportunities for collaboration between Judicial and Legislative. Her growth through the YAG program was showcased when she shared the familiar feeling of uncertainty she had her first year; this opportunity, however, has led her to feel informed and committed as she partakes in her third year at the conference and runs for a leadership position. She has a plethora of leadership experience in and out of the conference, whether winning All-Star at the conference or being SGA treasurer and president of the Future Leaders of America club at her school. She is committed to making YAG an experience that is meaningful to everyone and wants to continue to foster a community of integrity, respect, and commitment to fairness. Double or nothing, vote Taylor Garriot for Chief Justice!
By Kate Krouse
Ryland Malek
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Ryland Malek is a passionate Calvary Day School delegate committed to making YAG the best it can be. She values the connections formed between passionate individuals and strives to mentor those in her delegation. With a deep love for the Court of Appeals, Malek thrives when crafting compelling and persuasive legal arguments. If elected as Chief Justice, she promises to post resources before the hectic school year so that everyone feels extra prepared for the conference. She is eager to help students navigate the complex workings of our legal system and understands the importance of applying the law without prejudice. Everything Malek has learned through YAG fuels her ambition for a future in politics, one she hopes will ultimately lead her to sit on the Supreme Court.
By Izzie McLawhorn
Sam Johnson
Representing the West Carteret YAG delegation, junior Sam Johnson is one of four Chief Justice candidates. In his interview style campaign video, students shared reasons to vote for Johnson. Some of these included characteristics such as: dedication, drive, grit, and experience. Johnson has been participating in Court of Appeals since his first year in YAG and is currently serving as both an Associate Justice and a Student Delegation Leader. Last year, he won COA all-stars using his extensive knowledge about the judicial system and public speaking skills. As a Chief Justice, he hopes to bring inclusivity and helpful experiences to Court of Appeals, in order to ensure that all delegates are prepared and ready to succeed in the courtroom, and at conference. Vote Sam Johnson!
